US20040264205A1 - Modular light assembly and method for installing a modular light assembly in a vehicle - Google Patents
Modular light assembly and method for installing a modular light assembly in a vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040264205A1 US20040264205A1 US10/607,681 US60768103A US2004264205A1 US 20040264205 A1 US20040264205 A1 US 20040264205A1 US 60768103 A US60768103 A US 60768103A US 2004264205 A1 US2004264205 A1 US 2004264205A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- circuit board
- printed circuit
- board base
- modular light
- illumination source
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/70—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose
- B60Q3/74—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose for overall compartment lighting; for overall compartment lighting in combination with specific lighting, e.g. room lamps with reading lamps
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to modular light assemblies for a vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates modular light assemblies having a common printed circuit board base.
- Light assemblies for vehicles, such as for overhead lamps and the like, typically employ a housing mounted to the vehicle. A variety of lamps, such as bulbs, lamp sockets, and switching components are typically mounted within the housing. The light assembly also typically includes a trim bezel which can include lenses, diffusers and the like.
- The housing and socket of such assemblies are typically first installed in a vehicle component, such as a headliner or an instrument panel. An associated wiring harness is then attached to the light assembly. Subsequently, the vehicle component mounted to the vehicle and an interconnecting wiring harness in the vehicle is connected to one or more of the harnesses associated with the vehicle component. The wiring harness typically includes a bundle of wires having connectors at opposite ends for coupling the lamp housing to the vehicle electrical system as the vehicle component is installed. It would be advantageous if there could be developed an improved modular light assembly for a vehicle.
- This invention relates to an improved modular light assembly and an improved method for installing a modular light assembly in a vehicle. The method includes first providing a common printed circuit board base. One of a plurality of different types of illumination sources is then attached onto the printed circuit board base to form a modular light assembly. The modular light assembly is then mounted onto one of a plurality of trim bezels.
- According to this invention, there is also provided a plurality of modular light assemblies. Each modular light assembly includes a common printed circuit board base. One of a first and a second illumination source is provided, wherein the first and the second illumination sources are of different types. A mounting bracket for attaching the illumination source to the printed circuit board base is also provided.
- Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a modular light assembly manufactured according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the common printed circuit board base illustrated in FIG. 1.
- Referring to FIG. 1, there are generally shown at10 and 11 modular light assemblies manufactured in accordance with the method of the invention. The
modular light assemblies circuit board base 12. - It will be understood that the phrase “common circuit board base” is defined as one of a plurality of bases, each having a common size, such that each of the plurality of bases can be mounted into a common mount or fixture, such as a
trim bezel 14, as herein described. - The
modular light assembly 10 can be provided with different types of illumination sources. For example, the illumination source can be anincandescent bulb 16, a light emitting diode (LED) 18, or an electroluminescent (EL) device (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, theincandescent bulb 16 and theLED 18 are suitably mounted to a mounting bracket of the printedcircuit board base 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, abulb clip 20 is attached to the printedcircuit board base 12. Thebulb clip 20 can be attached to the printed circuit board base by any desired method, such as by soldering. Theincandescent bulb 16 is then attached to thebulb clip 20 of the printedcircuit board base 12. - As also shown in FIG. 1, the
LED 18 is attached to the printedcircuit board base 12. Preferably, theLED 18 is attached to the printedcircuit board base 12 by soldering, however, any other desired method of attachment can also be used. - It will be understood that the
incandescent bulb 16 can be any desired type of incandescent bulb, such as a dual filament bulb or a single filament bulb. TheLED 18 can be any desired LED, such as a multi-colored LED or a single colored LED. Additionally, the EL device can be any desired EL device. However, it will be also understood that the illumination source can also be any other desired illumination source. - Preferably, the common printed
circuit board base 12 has anelectrical circuit 24 thereon for electrically connecting the illumination source to a source of electrical energy, illustrated schematically at 26. Theelectrical circuit 24 can be formed of any desired material, such as an electrical wire or an electrically conductive trace. If desired, theelectrical circuit 24 can include a resister (not shown). - If desired, common printed
circuit board base 12 of themodular light assemblies push switch 28, however such a switch is not required. The switch can also be of any other desired type, such as a slide switch (not shown). - Preferably, the common printed
circuit board base 12 of themodular light assembly 10 is integrally formed with a vehiclewiring harness assembly 30. Known light assemblies can include a light assembly connector for attaching to a corresponding connector of a vehicle wiring harness. However, by integrally forming the common printedcircuit board base 12 of the instant invention with the vehiclewiring harness assembly 30, both the light assembly connector and the corresponding wiring harness connector can be eliminated. - According to the method of the instant invention, the vehicle
wiring harness assembly 30 is first assembled at an assembling location. Preferably, thewiring harness assembly 30 includes a plurality ofwires 32, a plurality ofconnectors 34, only one of which is shown for illustrative purposes, and a plurality oflight assemblies connectors 34 and thelight assemblies wires 32. - Subsequently, the
wiring harness assembly 30 is installed into a vehicle component, such as a headliner or an instrument panel. Preferably, eachlight assembly trim bezel 14. It will be understood that thewires 32 of thewiring harness assembly 30 can be round wires, flat wires, or any combination thereof. The wires of thewiring harness assembly 30 can also be any other desired type of wire or other electrically conductive material. It will be further understood that more than one light assembly, such aslight assemblies trim bezel 14. - The
trim bezel 14 preferably includes an opening 15 for receiving a lens (not shown). Preferably, thetrim bezel 14 includes a plurality of outwardly extendingmounting fingers 36. More preferably, thefingers 36 are structured and configured to retain the printedcircuit board base 12 in thetrim bezel 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Most preferably, themounting fingers 36 are structured and configured such that the printedcircuit board base 12 can be mounted to themounting fingers 36 in a snap-fit arrangement. - Although integrally formed mounting
fingers 36 are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be understood that satisfactory results may also be achieved by any desired structure for attaching the printedcircuit board base 12 to a surface of thetrim bezel 14. - Although illustrated in the exemplary embodiment as a separate piece, it will be understood that the
trim bezel 14 can also be integrally formed into another part of the vehicle, such as the instrument panel. For example, themounting fingers 36 can extend outwardly from a surface of the vehicle instrument panel. - The invention is also described in the context of installing a modular light assembly, and installing a wiring harness having a plurality light assemblies, in a vehicle component. However, it will be understood that the method of the invention can be used to install a modular light assembly, and install a wiring harness having a plurality light assemblies, in other component configurations, such as components for boats or appliances, for example.
- The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been described in its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/607,681 US7128450B2 (en) | 2003-06-27 | 2003-06-27 | Modular light assembly and method for installing a modular light assembly in a vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/607,681 US7128450B2 (en) | 2003-06-27 | 2003-06-27 | Modular light assembly and method for installing a modular light assembly in a vehicle |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040264205A1 true US20040264205A1 (en) | 2004-12-30 |
US7128450B2 US7128450B2 (en) | 2006-10-31 |
Family
ID=33540343
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/607,681 Expired - Fee Related US7128450B2 (en) | 2003-06-27 | 2003-06-27 | Modular light assembly and method for installing a modular light assembly in a vehicle |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US7128450B2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITTO20120965A1 (en) * | 2012-11-05 | 2014-05-06 | Fiat Group Automobiles Spa | AUTROYCOLISTIC RECONFIGURABLE CEILING LIGHT |
US20150330580A1 (en) * | 2014-05-19 | 2015-11-19 | Cree, Inc. | Led lamp with base electrical interconnect |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7367103B2 (en) * | 2004-06-11 | 2008-05-06 | International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc. | Method of forming a vehicle component |
US8262253B2 (en) * | 2007-05-02 | 2012-09-11 | Luminator Holding Lp | Lighting method and system |
DK2344939T3 (en) | 2008-09-24 | 2018-06-25 | Luminator Holding Lp | Methods and systems for maintaining the illumination intensity of light emitting diodes |
US8890411B2 (en) | 2011-10-14 | 2014-11-18 | Control Solutions LLC | Computer controlled configurable lighting system for modular vehicle lights |
IT202100002699A1 (en) | 2021-02-08 | 2022-08-08 | Te Connectivity Italia Distribution Srl | MODULAR LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR POWER SOCKETS |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4285033A (en) * | 1979-07-25 | 1981-08-18 | Progressive Dynamics, Inc. | Lampholder--switch module |
US5091831A (en) * | 1990-07-05 | 1992-02-25 | Prince Corporation | Vehicle foil laminated lamp mount |
US5357408A (en) * | 1993-10-08 | 1994-10-18 | United Technologies Automotive, Inc. | Interior lamp for an automotive vehicle |
US5388357A (en) * | 1993-04-08 | 1995-02-14 | Computer Power Inc. | Kit using led units for retrofitting illuminated signs |
US5658067A (en) * | 1994-12-12 | 1997-08-19 | Munters Corporation | Modular light unit |
US5811930A (en) * | 1992-12-16 | 1998-09-22 | Durel Corporation | Electroluminescent lamp devices and their manufacture |
US6069444A (en) * | 1992-12-16 | 2000-05-30 | Durel Corporation | Electroluminescent lamp devices and their manufacture |
US6193391B1 (en) * | 1998-02-24 | 2001-02-27 | Osram Sylvania Inc. | Modular lamp assembly and method of assembling same |
US6462669B1 (en) * | 1999-04-06 | 2002-10-08 | E. P . Survivors Llc | Replaceable LED modules |
US6541800B2 (en) * | 2001-02-22 | 2003-04-01 | Weldon Technologies, Inc. | High power LED |
US6834906B2 (en) * | 2002-12-30 | 2004-12-28 | Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc. | Vehicle liftgate with component module applique |
US6840660B2 (en) * | 1996-03-11 | 2005-01-11 | Jeff L. Hymer | High signal lights for automotive vehicles |
-
2003
- 2003-06-27 US US10/607,681 patent/US7128450B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4285033A (en) * | 1979-07-25 | 1981-08-18 | Progressive Dynamics, Inc. | Lampholder--switch module |
US5091831A (en) * | 1990-07-05 | 1992-02-25 | Prince Corporation | Vehicle foil laminated lamp mount |
US5811930A (en) * | 1992-12-16 | 1998-09-22 | Durel Corporation | Electroluminescent lamp devices and their manufacture |
US6069444A (en) * | 1992-12-16 | 2000-05-30 | Durel Corporation | Electroluminescent lamp devices and their manufacture |
US5388357A (en) * | 1993-04-08 | 1995-02-14 | Computer Power Inc. | Kit using led units for retrofitting illuminated signs |
US5357408A (en) * | 1993-10-08 | 1994-10-18 | United Technologies Automotive, Inc. | Interior lamp for an automotive vehicle |
US5658067A (en) * | 1994-12-12 | 1997-08-19 | Munters Corporation | Modular light unit |
US6840660B2 (en) * | 1996-03-11 | 2005-01-11 | Jeff L. Hymer | High signal lights for automotive vehicles |
US6193391B1 (en) * | 1998-02-24 | 2001-02-27 | Osram Sylvania Inc. | Modular lamp assembly and method of assembling same |
US6462669B1 (en) * | 1999-04-06 | 2002-10-08 | E. P . Survivors Llc | Replaceable LED modules |
US6541800B2 (en) * | 2001-02-22 | 2003-04-01 | Weldon Technologies, Inc. | High power LED |
US6834906B2 (en) * | 2002-12-30 | 2004-12-28 | Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc. | Vehicle liftgate with component module applique |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITTO20120965A1 (en) * | 2012-11-05 | 2014-05-06 | Fiat Group Automobiles Spa | AUTROYCOLISTIC RECONFIGURABLE CEILING LIGHT |
EP2727770A1 (en) * | 2012-11-05 | 2014-05-07 | Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. | Automotive reconfigurable overhead light assembly |
US20150330580A1 (en) * | 2014-05-19 | 2015-11-19 | Cree, Inc. | Led lamp with base electrical interconnect |
US9951910B2 (en) * | 2014-05-19 | 2018-04-24 | Cree, Inc. | LED lamp with base having a biased electrical interconnect |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7128450B2 (en) | 2006-10-31 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LEAR CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TIESLER, JOHN M.;CHOU, TED;MINEAR, CHUCK;REEL/FRAME:014288/0495 Effective date: 20030624 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS GROUP NORTH AM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEAR CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:019215/0727 Effective date: 20070427 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20101031 |